Ribbon Choices

I love ribbon - I'm a bit of a ribbon junkie actually, and I have boxes of lovely rolls that I grab at whenever I'm working on a project. With the red sample I made for my cousin Heather's wedding invitations I used a 1/4" red grosgrain ribbon knotted over a 5/8" white grosgrain ribbon, but I'm exploring the possibility of using something different. Here are two ides up for discussion:

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This lovely 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon features white stitching along the edge.

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This playful 3/4" grosgrain ribbon has both a side-stitching and fun little polka dots.

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So now for the big question: leave the ribbon as shown in the original sample, or substitute one of the above ribbons instead?
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Tone-on-tone vs. Heat Embossing

A close-up of the raised effect created by heat embossing

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You have several options when you'd like to add a background or other subtle pattern to your card stock, including tone-on-tone stamping and heat embossing. With tone-on-tone stamping you choose an ink colour that matches the card stock exactly, giving an overall damask pattern to your paper once it's stamped. With heat embossing you use VersaMark ink to stamp your selected image, then apply embossing powder to the stamped image and tap off the excess powder before applying heat to the image with an embossing tool. The result can be dramatically different, as the image will become slightly raised and quite shiny - and since embossing powders are available in a wide range of colours you can choose a dramatic contrast to your card stock if you choose, or you can create a lovely tone-on-tone shine using clear embossing powder as shown in the samples below. Different techniques suit different projects... which one is right for you?

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This "Best Wishes and More" leaf image heat embossed (left) and tone-on-tone stamped (right)

This "Lovely As A Tree" leaf image heat embossed (left) and tone-on-tone stamped (right)

This "Pocket Silhouettes" bouquet image heat embossed (left) and tone-on-tone stamped (right)

The Evolution of a Wedding Invitation

As mentioned in two previous posts, I'm designing wedding invitations for my cousin Heather and her fiance Shawn... such a fun project, for such great people! The red invitation I created earlier seems to be the winner, and we're now working on modifying it to suit their needs (please note the colour used below is for sample purposes only - unless I'm told otherwise the actual invitations will remain red & white). Two requests they had involved using less paper - less envelopes specifically. Can the wedding invitation and reply card be make to travel through the mail without envelopes? The reply card seems simple enough: postcards are sent without envelopes, so if the reply card were a postcard there should be no problem. That idea leads to a redesign though, as the reply card as originally sized wouldn't be accepted by Canada Post (too small)... and enlarging the reply card means enlarging the entire invitation, as the postcard was tucked inside. I'm concerned that the ribbon embellishment may need to be removed as well, since I doubt that it will "pass regulations" at the post office. The second challenge is still stumping me a bit... turning the invitation into a self-sealing envelope so it can be sent as-is. The folding isn't a problem, but I'm stumped by how to seal it so that it will 1) pass Canada Post regulations, 2) open easily for the recipient without ripping the paper and 3) stay closed throughout the mailing process. I'm taking the invitation as it stands now to the post office this afternoon to see if it would pass regulation, and we can make further updates from there.

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Sample photos:

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The front of the wedding invitation, complete with envelope-style fold and new heat-embossing instead of the original texture embossing.

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The invitation open, with the reply card tucked inside

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The reply card removed from its pocket - please note the ribbon is larger that what was used originally just to coordinate with the sample's colour (a yellow called "So Saffron") - I personally think the thinner 1/4" ribbon looked better.

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"Going Out of Business" Sale

I have some news to share... after much thought, I've decided to discontinue my Stampin' Up Demonstratorship as of the end of this month (January 2010). I owe a big "thank you" to all of the wonderful customers I've met through the evolution of my business, and can't begin to express how much fun I've had sharing my love of crafting with you. I'm also grateful for having gotten to know an amazing group of Demonstrators here in London who truly made me feel welcome, shared their ideas, offered their support, and became great friends and mentors to me.

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With just a week left until the end of the month, I'm offering you one final sale - my 20% Demonstrator discount on any order you'd like to place. So browse your catalogue, or click here to look through our online store to see everything we have to offer, and contact me before January 31st to take advantage of 20% off everything Stampin' Up offers (excluding "sale shelf" items, tax or shipping, which I don't receive a discount on).

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I will continue to teach card making and scrapbooking classes both from my home and through Tecumseh Community School, and I intend to keep Summer's Creative Corner active as I continue my crafting journey. I look forward to the opportunity to see you all again, and please contact me as soon as possible if you're interested in taking advantage of my "going out of business" sale!

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Sample Wedding Invitation # 2

When I spoke with my cousin and her fiance about wedding invitations, they both mentioned the idea of red and white invitations appealed to them, and picked one particular stamp that mimicked some of the leaves used in the bridal bouquets. This invitation sample was inspired by both:

The card is 5" x 7", but opens length-wise instead of to the side. The fold isn't at the natural half-way point in the card, allowing the top of the inside of the card to peek out... I've used a script stamp from the Wonderful Words set here, but the bride and groom's names would be lovely in this spot as well. The front of the Real Red card stock has been textured to give the card some additional weight, although the texture doesn't show through as well in photos as it does in person.

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When the card is opened the large white interior is revealed, which would hold the wedding invitation details. Tucked into a pocket created from the front of the card is the matching RSVP card which showcases the leaf pattern from the Pocket Silhouettes stamp set.

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The RSVP card is shown in full, having been removed from the pocket created on the inside of the card front.

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Sample Wedding Invitation # 1

I've been brainstorming ideas for invitations for my cousin Heather's upcoming wedding, and have a couple of samples to share. This one is a 5" x 7" layered card in a host of autumn colours (the wedding is in September), which features the Baroque Motifs and Wonderful Words stamp sets, as well as ribbon detailing, printed paper and a golden brad holding the raised crest in place.

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The inside of the card features vanilla card stock with a ribbon border and plenty of room for wedding invitation details. The matching RSVP card would be tucked inside.

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Christmas Stamp-a-Stack Time!

During my Christmas Stamp-a-Stack class (which will be running several times over the next month) we will make a set of 10 of these colourful multi-layered cards along with matching envelopes. Using stamps, punches, patterned papers and heavy-weight card stock, your Christmas cards will be a work of art that recipients will keep long after the holidays have passed.

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An alternate colour combinations for the inside of our Christmas Stamp-a-Stack cards, which shows the continuation of our ornament theme and the colours showcased on the front of the card:

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At these Stamp-a-Stack classes I take care of the hardest work for you... your card stock is pre-measured and pre-cut, and the fun of stamping and punching is left to you. It's a great way to spend a couple of hours getting in the holiday spirit without the challenge of designing and cutting card components yourself!

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This class will happen three times throughout the holiday season:

Sunday November 8th from 1-5pm

Monday November 30th from 6-10pm

Saturday December 5th from 9am - 1pm

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The cost is $25.00 for 10 cards. Want to impress even more people with your craftiness? Additional sets of 10 cards are only $10.00! Call me at 519-672-5485 or email summer.burton@sympatico.ca to reserve your spot today...

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